Psychology Courses PSYC 103 Introduction to Psychological Science (3) An introduction to the scientific study of behavior. Topics include research methods and statistics in psychology, nervous system and the brain, sensation and perception, learning, memory, social psychology and behavior disorders. Note: One requirement of this course is that students participate in research conducted in the psychology department to obtain experience in psychological research methods. Students who do not wish to participate in research will be offered an equitable alternative activity. PSYC 211 Psychological Statistics (3) Elementary statistical techniques and their application to the analysis and interpretation of psychological data. Notes: 1. Students who have completed PSYC 250 may not receive credit for PSYC 211. 2. This class fulfills the statistics requirement for the Bachelor of Arts Degree. PSYC 213 Conditioning and Learning (3) A survey of the experimental study of human and animal learning with an introductory consideration of modern learning theory. PSYC 214 Behavioral Neuroscience (3) A consideration of anatomical and physiological correlates of behavior. PSYC 215 Cognitive Psychology (3) Empirical findings and theoretical models in human information processing and performance are examined. Examples of topics include attention and pattern recognition, memory and imaginal representation, problem solving, reasoning, creativity and sensorimotor skills. PSYC 216 Sensation and Perception (3) An examination of the physiological and psychological processes involved in sensing and perceiving stimuli. Historical and contemporary research and theory in sensation and perception will be considered. PSYC 220 Research Methods (3) A survey of standard research methods used by psychologists. Topics include the scientific method, measurement issues, observational techniques, sampling, experimental designs and data analysis. Prerequisites: PSYC 103 and 211. Note: 1. Students who have completed PSYC 250 may not receive credit for PSYC 220. 2. This class fulfills the research methods requirement for the Bachelor of Arts degree. PSYC 221 Abnormal Psychology (3) An overview of psychopathology, including the empirical and theoretical bases of epidemiology, etiology and treatment. Mental disorders are examined from psychological (e.g., learning theory) and biological (e.g., neurobiological) perspectives and research and treatment methods associated with these paradigms are introduced. PSYC 222 Psychology of Personality (3) The normal personality from the point of view of contemporary psychology. A consideration of structure, dynamics, individual differences and methods of assessment will be given.
PSYC 223 Social Psychology (3) A study of the principles of human interaction, including a consideration of such topics as social learning, person perception, attitudes, prejudice and analysis of small group behavior. PSYC 224 Lifespan Development (3) An introduction to the understanding of change and continuity from conception to death. Special attention will be given to core theoretical explanations and empirical findings regarding physical, 452 Courses cognitive, emotional and social development early in the life-span. PSYC 250 Psychological Statistics and Research Methods (6) Equivalent to PSYC 211 ad 220. A survey of elementary statistical techniques and standard research methods used by psychologists. This course integrates the content of PSYC 211 and 220 while providing an introduction to the analysis of research data with statistical software. Note: This class meets five days a week for a total of six hours of instruction. It meets the statistics and research methods requirement for the Bachelor of Science degree. Students who have completed PSYC 211 or PSYC 220 may not receive credit for PSYC 250. Students are encouraged to complete at least part of their mathematics coursework prior to their enrollment in this class. PSYC 315 Special Topics in Psychology I (3) An examination of an area of current theoretical or research interest in the field of Psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 103 NOTE: Repeatable up to 6 credit hours. PSYC 318 Comparative Psychology (3) A comparison and explanation of the similarities and differences in the behavior of different species of animals. PSYC 321 Psychology in the Workplace (3) A study of the application of psychological principles to industrial organizations. Topics covered include individual differences, job satisfaction, supervision, personnel selection, training and placement. PSYC 329 Environmental Psychology (3) A study of the relationships between human behavior and the physical environment, including a consideration of such topics as the effects of the arrangement of interior spaces, structures of communities, crowding in urban environments, climate and natural disasters. Opportunity will be provided for student participation in research projects. PSYC 333 Health Psychology (3) An examination of psychological variables contributing to disease and the effects of illness and injury on behavior. Examples of topics treated include psycho-physiological disorders, impact of stress, pain mechanisms, medical settings and patient behavior, psychological approaches to prevention and management, and compliance. PSYC 334 Psychology of Stress (3) An examination of stress from physiological and psychological perspectives. Presentation of empirical research and theoretical models. Examples of topics include occupational and performance stress, stress in animals, stressful life events, post-traumatic stress, sociocultural and familial stress and coping mechanisms.
PSYC 335 Positive Psychology: Optimizing Psychological Well-being (3) Positive psychology involves the study of the factors involved in living a meaningful life. We will explore traits within the individual such as optimism and psychological hardiness that can facilitate positive life experiences. We also will examine how social institutions (families, communities, societies) include the well-being of the individual. Prerequisites: PSYC 103 PSYC 344 Psychology of Substance Abuse (3) This course presents an overview of psychologically based models for understanding why individuals engage in substance abuse. Emphasis is on cognitive, emotional and behavioral factors that explain why some individuals transition from casual use to substance abuse. Approaches to prevention, treatment and contemporary drug policy issues will be considered. Prerequisites: PSYC 103 and 221 PSYC 349 Psychology of Entrepreneurship (3) Entrepreneurial ventures begin when people recognize and act upon market opportunities. From an initial business idea to the time that a firm is organized, most of the critical processes involve the psychological characteristics and actions of individuals. This course examines those psychological processes in detail through lectures, discussion and case studies. Prerequisites: MATH 104, or PSYC 211 or DSCI 232 and junior standing or permission of the instructor. PSYC 350 Psychology of Gender (3) This course presents social, cognitive, biological, evolutionary and cross-cultural perspectives on gender, including gender development and roles. Major themes include nature and nurture contributions to gender, gender differences versus similarities, gender versus sex, the influence of gender assumptions, biases and roles, and challenging prejudice to improve gender relations. PSYC 351 Principles of Neurobiology (3) The first course of a two-semester series that serves as a rigorous introduction to the field of neuroscience. The first semester focuses on brain anatomy, cellular and molecular function of neurons and development of nervous systems. The course is team-taught by faculty from the Departments of Biology and Psychology. Prerequisites: PSYC 103, BIOL 111, 112, and BIOL 211 or PSYC 214. PSYC 352 Neurobiology and Behavior (3) The second course of a two-semester series that serves as a rigorous introduction to the field of neuroscience. This course focuses on sensory and motor systems, neural regulatory systems, functional neuroanatomy and behavioral/cognitive neuroscience. Prerequisite: BIOL/PSYC 351 or PSYC 214. PSYC 353 Hormones and Behavior (3) Hormones modulate most social behaviors (reproductive, parental, expressive) expressed by animals. This course examines how hormones interact with the nervous system to produce these complex behaviors. Taking a comparative approach, the course draws examples of neuroendocrine function from throughout the animal kingdom including fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Cross-listed with BIOL 353. Prerequisites: PSYC 103 and PSYC 214 or PSYC 216. PSYC 355 Sport Psychology (3) The scientific study of human behavior in the context of participating in sport and how sport performance is affected by the athlete, the team and its leadership as well as by the physical and interpersonal environment in which these individuals interact. Prerequisite: PSYC 103 or permission of the instructor. This course is cross-listed with PEHD 355. If a student has received credit for PEHD 355, the student may not receive credit for PSYC 355.
PSYC 356 Behavioral Genetics (3) This course explores the relationship between genetics and behavior. The course will focus on the ROLE of genetic and environmental factors that contribute to both animal and human behavior. Prerequisites: PSYC 103 and BIOL 111 or permission of instructor. PSYC 358 Nonverbal Communication (3) This course is a survey of research on how the body and voice are used in the communication of emotion, attitudes, status, and other messages. The roles of gestures, movement, facial expressions, gaze, interpersonal distancing, touch, taste, smell, physical appearance and paralanguage are considered. Prerequisites: PSYC 103, 211 and 220 or 250, or permission of the instructor. PSYC 370 Tests and Measurements (3) A consideration of the history, theory and techniques of psychological measurement. Attention is given to the measurement of intelligence, personality, interests, attitudes and aptitudes. Limited experience in test administration and interpretation is provided. Prerequisites: PSYC 103, 211 and 220 or PSYC 250. PSYC 372 Applied Behavior Analysis (3) A study of the application of the principles of operant and respondent conditioning to the control of human behavior, both normal and disordered, including a consideration of the moral and social implications of the behavior control technologies. Prerequisites: PSYC 103, 213, 211 and 220 or PSYC 250. PSYC 374 Sins of Memory (3) This course provides an in-depth exploration of classic and current issues in human memory, examining both behavioral and neuropsychological approaches to data and theory. Examples of topics covered in this course include autobiographical and eyewitness memory, false memories, memory updating, techniques for improving memory, memory development, and prospective memory. Prerequisites: PSYC 103; PSYC 211 and PSYC 220 or PSYC 250; PSYC 215 PSYC 375 Topics in Child and Adolescent Development (3) This course will give students a more advanced exposure to topics in child and/or adolescent development-e.g., socio-emotional/moral development; the role of parenting in child development; early developmental neuroscience; optimal development, etc. Students will gain a more comprehensive understanding of both the major developmental theories and the developmental research methodologies. Prerequisites: PSYC 103; 211 and 220 (or PSYC 250); PSYC 224 (formerly 311) PSYC 378 Psychology of Language (3) The reception, comprehension, and expression of language will be considered from psychological perspectives. Examples of topics include the biological basis of language, the social uses of language, speech perception and production, psycholinguistics and language development. Prerequisites: PSYC 103, 215; 211 and 220 or 250 or permission of instructor. PSYC 385 Cognitive Neuroscience (3) This course focuses on the use of neuroimaging techniques and other relevant methodologies to explore the neural systems underlying human cognition. Sample topics include the neural bases of memory and reasoning, changes in neurocognition with age, the use and misuse of neuroimaging techniques in legal settings, and social cognitive neuroscience. Prerequisites: PSYC 103; PSYC 214 or PSYC/BIOL 351 or PSYC/BIOL 352; PSYC 211 and PSYC 220 (PSYC 250 may substitute for 211 and 220) or BIOL 211 and MATH 250; or permission of instructor
PSYC 386 Behavioral Pharmacology (3) This course is a survey of behaviorally active drugs with emphases on neurochemical and behavioral mechanisms of action. Prerequisites: PSYC 103; PSYC 214 or BIOL/PSYC 351; PSYC 211 and 220(or 250 in lieu of 211 and 220) or BIOL 211 and MATH 250; or permission of the instructor. PSYC 387 Neuropsychology (3) This course is an in-depth focus on brain-behavior relationships in humans. Topics include neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, cognitive theory and research methods. Theories of brain function are examined along with the clinical procedures for measuring brain integrity. Additionally, neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, brain injury) and methods of neurorehabilitation are explored. Prerequisites: PSYC 103; PSYC 214 or BIOL/PSYC 351; PSYC 211 and 220(or 250 in lieu of 211 and 220) or BIOL 211 and MATH 250; or permission of the instructor. PSYC 389 Child Psychopathology (3) A comprehensive overview of the field of abnormal child psychology. Coverage will emphasize the multidimensional, reciprocal nature of child behavior problems within a developmental, clinical/diagnostic and experimental framework. Topical coverage will include definitions, theories, clinical presentation, research, assessment and treatment issues related to various externalizing and internalizing symptomatology. Prerequisites: PSYC 103, 221, 211 and 220 or PSYC 250. PSYC 390 Advanced Psychological Statistics (3) A survey of advanced topics in psychological statistics and the analysis and interpretation of data. Coverage typically includes confidence intervals and effect sizes, multiple regression, moderated regression, repeatedmeasures ANOVA, logistic regression, and statistical meditation. An important course component involves implementing the statistical procedures by analyzing datasets using statistical software. Prerequisites: PSYC 103, 211 and 220 or 250. PSYC 391 Foundations of Psychotherapy (3) This course provides students with exposure to the field of psychotherapy. Examples of topics include psychotherapy theory (e.g., behavioral, cognitive, psychodynamic), ethical issues, the scientist/practitioner model, treatment outcome research, methodological and statistical issues in psychotherapy and treatment outcome research, and multicultural issues. Prerequisites: PSYC 103; PSYC 211 and PSYC 220 or PSYC 250; PSYC 221 PSYC 392 Scientific Foundations of Clinical Psychology (3) A study of scientific methods of research and practice in clinical psychology. Examples of topics include the scientist-practitioner model of clinical training, development and evaluation of psychometric tools, clinical research methods and statistical techniques, evaluation of psychotherapy outcomes, and other issues related to psychological interventions. Prerequisites: PSYC 103, 221, 211 and 220 or PSYC 250 PSYC 394 History and Systems of Psychology (3) A study of psychological theory in historical context. Topics will include functionalism, behaviorism, Gestalt psychology and psychoanalysis. Prerequisites: PSYC 103, 211 and 220 or PSYC 250 and at least 12 additional hours in psychology. PSYC 397 Internship Experience (3) This course provides the student interested in the application of psychological theories and principles an opportunity to have an applied learning experience in a pre-approved agency or organization. The learning experience will be guided by an individualized learning contract that will specify the academic and work components of the experience. Prerequisites: This class is open to junior or senior psychology majors with an overall and major GPA of 3.0. Students must have successfully completed the following courses before they are eligible to apply: PSYC 211, 213, 214, 215 and 220.
PSYC 404 Teaching Mentorship (3) The goal of a teaching mentorship is to create a dual-mentorship opportunity: the Professor provides mentorship to the student (the Teaching Mentor) on various aspects of high-quality instruction and the Teaching Mentor provides mentorship for the students in the course which they have been assigned. Repeatable up to six credits. Prerequisites: PSYC 103. If they are mentoring for a course other than PSYC 103, they will have to have taken the course for which they are mentoring. In addition, professors may request additional course experiences, depending upon the course to which the student is being assigned. Open only to junior and senior psychology majors with a minimum Psychology GPA of 3.0 (or permission of the instructor). PSYC 410 Special Topics II (1-4) An examination in depth of an area of current theoretical or research interest. Choice of topic will depend upon the interests of students and instructor. Prerequisite: PSYC 103; PSYC 211 and 220 (or 250 in lieu of 211 and 220); declared psychology major or instructor permission for non-majors NOTE: Repeatable up to 6 credit hours. PSYC 413 Conditioning and Learning: Advanced Topics (3) This course provides students with exposure to advanced topics in the area of conditioning and learning. Focus will be on readings from the primary literature covering topics in greater depth and breadth than those introduced in the associated lower-level course. Sample topics include choice, self-control, creativity, aversive control, and reinforcement mechanisms. These topics may vary by semester and instructor. Prerequisite: PSYC 103; PSYC 211 and 220 (or 250 in lieu of 211 and 220), PSYC 213 PSYC 422 Personality Psychology: Advanced Topics (3) This course provides students with exposure to advanced topics in personality psychology. Focus will be on readings from the primary research literature. Sample topics include trait models, the biological roots of personality, personality stability and change, and personality, psychopathology, and health. These topics may vary by semester and instructor. Prerequisite: PSYC 103; PSYC 211 and 220 (or 250 in lieu of 211 and 220), PSYC 222 PSYC 423 Social Psychology: Advanced Topics (3) This course provides students with exposure to advanced topics in the area of social psychology. Focus will be on readings from the primary literature covering topics in greater depth and breadth than those introduced in the associated lower-level courses. Sample topics include the social self, aggression, attraction, social beliefs and judgments, conformity, and conflict and peacekeeping. These topics may vary by semester and instructor. Prerequisite: PSYC 103; PSYC 211 and 220 (or 250 in lieu of 211 and 220), PSYC 223 PSYC 446 Special Topics in Neuroscience (3) A special topics course designed to supplement course offerings in neuroscience. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and permission of the instructor. PSYC 447 Seminar in Neuroscience (3) A seminar course exposing students to cutting-edge neuroscience research. Research seminars by neuroscientists will be combined with the reading and discussion of primary literature. Students will learn to effectively write about and present their own ongoing research projects. This course serves as a capstone experience for students pursuing a minor in neuroscience. Prerequisites: BIOL/PSYC 351/352 Co-requisite: BIOL/PSYC 448 or permission of the instructor. Students engaged in independent research or a bachelor s essay will be given priority for enrollment. PSYC 448 Bachelor s Essay in Neuroscience (6) A year-long senior research project conducted under the supervision of a faculty member in the neuroscience program at CofC or MUSC. Along with the faculty mentor, the student must submit a written project proposal for approval prior to course registration. This course is designed for students who are working towards a neuroscience minor. Prerequisites: BIOL/PSYC 351 and 352 and permission of both the student s major department and the neuroscience program director.
PSYC 460 Advanced Conditioning and Learning with Lab (3) This capstone course provides an in-depth examination of various theories and practices in the area of conditioning and learning. Additionally, students will conduct research using methods common in the field. Examples of topics covered in this course include: response acquisition, schedules of reinforcement, extinction, and response reinstatement. Prerequisites: PSYC 103, PSYC 211, PSYC 220, PSYC 213, and junior or senior status. Students make take PSYC250 in lieu of PSYC 211 and 220. PSYC 462 Advanced Social Psychology with Lab (3) This capstone course provides an in-depth examination of various theories and practices in the area of social psychology. Additionally, students will conduct research using methods common in the field. Examples of topics covered in this course include: social cognition, conformity, group processes, and prejudice. Prerequisites: PSYC 103, PSYC 211, PSYC 220, PSYC 223, and junior or senior status. Students make take PSYC 250 in lieu of PSYC 211 and 220. PSYC 464 Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience with Lab (3) This capstone course provides an in-depth examination of various theories and practices in physiological psychology. Additionally, students will conduct research using methods common in the field. Examples of topics covered in this course include: psychopharmacology, neuroendocrinology, neuroanatomy, and animal behavior. Prerequisites: PSYC 103, PSYC 211, PSYC 220, PSYC 214, and junior or senior status. Students make take PSYC 250 in lieu of PSYC 211 and 220. PSYC 466 Advanced Sensation and Perception with Lab (3) This capstone course provides an in-depth examination of various theories and practices in the area of sensation and perception. Additionally, students will conduct research using methods common in the field. Examples of topics covered in this course include psychophysics and its application to the assessment of visual and tactile modalities. Prerequisites: PSYC 103, PSYC 211, PSYC 220, PSYC 216, and junior or senior status. Students make take PSYC 250 in lieu of PSYC 211 and 220. PSYC 468 Advanced Cognitive Psychology with Lab (3) This capstone course provides an in-depth examination of various theories and practices in the area of cognitive psychology. Additionally, students will conduct research using methods common in the field. Examples of topics covered in this course include: attention, pattern recognition, memory processes, and language comprehension.\ Prerequisites: PSYC 103, PSYC 211, PSYC 220, PSYC 215, and junior or senior status. Students make take PSYC 250 in lieu of PSYC 211 and 220. PSYC 469 Advanced Developmental with Lab (3) This capstone provides an in-depth examination of various theories and practices in the area of developmental psychology. Additionally, students will conduct research using methods common in the field. Examples of topics covered in this course include: Theory of mind and executive function development, social/moral development, effectiveness of learning tools, parenting outcomes and interventions. Prerequisites: PSYC 103, PSYC 211, PSYC 220, PSYC 224, and junior or senior status. Students make take PSYC 250 in lieu of PSYC 211 and 220. PSYC 497 Tutorial (3) This course affords students the opportunity to explore and learn about a particular area of study in Psychology by engaging in an extensive literature review. Along with the time students spend reading primary source materials, they are also expected to meet regularly with their research supervisor. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, plus permission of the tutor and the department chair. PSYC 498 Independent Study (1-3) This course affords students the opportunity to obtain empirical skills and research experience in a supportive academic environment. Students will have the opportunity to read primary literature in the field, learn about skills and techniques used by researchers in the field, and learn about how the data collected in a study are analyzed and disseminated. Prerequisites: PSYC 211 and 220 or PSYC 250. Open to junior and senior psychology majors with the permission of a faculty member as supervisor and of the department chair. Formal written application stating the nature of the project and presenting evidence of sufficient background knowledge for the enterprise must be submitted prior to registration. Open only to students having a GPA of at least 3.0 in psychology courses. Note: No more than six semester hours in independent study may be applied toward the major.
PSYC 499 Bachelor s Essay (6) This course affords students the opportunity to execute a yearlong intensive, empirical research project in a supportive academic environment. Students will have the opportunity to: read primary literature in the field, learn about skills and techniques used by researchers in the field, work with their mentor to develop a suitable research experience, be involved in data analysis, and produce a written dissemination of the project. Along with the time students spend conducting research, they are also expected to meet regularly with their research supervisor. Prerequisites: Open to psychology majors with an overall GPA of at least 3.4; PSYC 211 and 220 or PSYC 250.